Grazing the Net

Our editors spend some time roaming the web looking for stuff cattle people and others in agriculture might find useful or entertaining.

Beefy Business

Dec 05, 2013

Looking to beef up your business? How about edible business cards ... beef business cards. It's a bit along the lines of "what were they thinking" but we'll support almost anything that involves purchasing beef. These business cards are printed on slices of beef jerky. And you can even choose your flavor. We foresee a few problems though, like what if they eat your phone number? And do you plan to carry these in your wallet? Back pocket? Your purse?Pause a moment while you think about that, and then cogitate eating something that's been in someone's wallet, back pocket or purse. Maybe that phone number will be safe after all.

Don't Ask Umbra, ask Abby

There are some stories that we find while grazin' the net, and when we bring the narrative to your inbox with our commentary, we're not sure where to begin. This story from Grist is one of those. Suzy P. from Denver writes "Ask Umbra" if her organic ground beef is truly organic. After reading this, it's obvious "Umbra" is not an expert on the topic of organically grown beef and other beef practices. Why else would Umbra answer in a lengthy diatribe about "facts" Umbra knows on beef production and slaughter? After this answer, poor Suzy will likely never eat beef again, organic or not. Sadly, many people will take Umbra's answer as the gospel truth. It's just one more example of why we, the beef industry, need to tell our positive story about beef production.

When you scroll to the bottom, Umbra's title is listed: Research Associate II. Perhaps Umbra should do a little more research. We're not sure about Dear Abby, but we think she would be a little more politically correct.

Au Revoir, Trans Fats

Don't wave goodbye to those trans fats quite yet. Grocery and food organizations are pleading for extra time from the FDA to comment on the ruling. Swapping out ingredients containing trans fats could take some time as food execs and researchers look for a worthy replacement. Some foodies are pushing for an alternative on the ban, and instead seek changes to labeling or propose a maximum threshold for trans fats. Many said they were blindsided by the FDA on the proposed rule change.

Wasted Workers?

Amsterdam has a new program to get alcoholics off the street and back to work. It's immensely successful, and there's a waiting list for available jobs. Sounds great, right? But a closer look has us scratching our heads. The workers, who pick up litter from city streets, are paid mostly in beer. Two cans in the morning, two more at lunch, and a few more as reward for a job well done. We guess that they're going with the mindset of at least these people are working?

Even Dirt Has Its Day

Indeed dirt does have its day. If you're looking for something to toast after work, today is World Soil Day.